Thoroncir and Gwaelur, if we’re all going to stand fast against our foes, how much room should we give between us? I think if we stood 15 feet apart, it would be hard for any goblins to slip between. Maybe Gwaelur in the middle, leaving the two longer-legged (and presumably more mobile) men on the ends?
Sorry for the delay, been internet-less for the last couple of days.
The humans are at a real disadvantage in the night compared to the rest of us.
I am going to be at the side of the combat and will sneak attack with my sling any goblins who are either heading for our casters or trying to flank the fighters.
If any goblins do get round and attack the casters, I will switch to daggers and either flank/back attack to protect them.
You’re still thinking 3rd Ed. In 1st Ed a backstab has to be hand-to-hand; although sniping at the enemy from cover is not necessarily a bad idea, it’s not quite the killer it would be in 3rd Ed. But backstabbing any bad guy who does get past the fighters would be just the job.
Suits me.
There are bonuses to hit from the rear or a blind flank. Also an increased chance to fade away again into the shadows. However the backstab is double damage and probably worth the danger when the situation presents itself.
I think this is a great idea. Gwaelur will take the middle. I am not fast, but I am strong and can fight with two weapons at once. A 15 foot gap is small enough that nothing should slip through.
As the Goblins pour in, Gil-Gandel shoots three from behind, dropping two and injuring the third. Gimli’s bolt kills a third goblin and Gwaelur’s hits injuring a second. Mulligan using the sling hits one towards the rear from the flank and drops it and fades out of sight quickly waiting for the next opportunity. Four down and two injured before they go.
The Goblin’s hit into the wall of Thoroncir, Gwaelur, Theogrim, and the 4 knights. Brin and Caramir flank the south side. Gimli charges towards where Merry is riding back quick and gets Ornan’s attention.
In the melee, Gwaelur is hit for 3 points and kills his Goblin. Brin kills one for Dale. Caramir chops another down and then an injured one. Theogrim takes a knife for 2 hp but then kills the goblin with his Bastard sword. Thoroncir makes quick work of his with his long sword. The injured one is dropped by two knights at once with their longer spears.
Gil-Gandel and Mulligan both noticed Gimli and rush that direction.
Merry comes riding in hard, “30 orcs are coming in, the goblins were just a diversion. Some have bows.”
Gimli shouts, “To me men, to me, this should be fun.”
I was being more descriptive rather than them being precise actions. However, I will take any and all appropriate bonuses to hit/damage that will come my way. 
Is there a shield I can quickly appropriate? Given cover of darkness, I’ll have to engage in melee, not ranged, and I would appreciate the extra point of AC. Plus, I’d rather not accidentally put an arrow in Starharp’s back. Elf, Orc - who can tell the difference in the dark with those ears.
The Goblins had no shields.
If there’s time, Thoroncir will fully don his remaining armor. If the trees in these woods are so close as to prevent effective lancework, he’ll remain on foot and continue to use his longsword. Otherwise, he’ll mount up and prepare to skewer some orcs.
Mulligan decides that getting underfoot of several heavily armed warriors is not a good idea. Go to ground and flank the orcs at distance to try to get behind them unnoticed.
Given the orcs are piling into a set of dwarves and humans, that should not be too hard.
Once behind, pick off the archers/leaders using sling or if they are standing alone, backstab with daggers.
Gwaelur would also like to finish getting armoured if there is time. If I can fire off another bolt or two with my xbow that would be fantastic. I will continue to fight on foot with my war axe and sheild. Doing my best to protect Ghan and Brin first followed by Deor.
Theogrim will help Thoroncir finish armoring up and request the same favor in return. Quickly, now.
Gladly, friend Theogrim! My thanks.
I assume the goblins have fled or are dead (I think there were 12 originally…)
I expect Moose has charged off to help Gimli.
I will cast Barkskin on myself and reassure Deor what is happening.
Then I will carefully lead him towards the sound of the Gimli combat.
I will also guide any of our fighters who can’t see in the dark towards the combat.
Once I can see orcs, I will cast:
a couple of Faerie Fire spells on orcs (I think I can do three orcs per spell, and this will also light up the scene for the humans)
Entangle on any orcs hanging back (e.g. bowmen) (avoid getting our side in the area of effect)
Heat Metal (if the orcs are wearing suitable armour … I can do 3 orcs. Attack orcs outnumbering their opponents, or the bowmen)
Summon Insects on any leader or monster more dangerous than an orc, or on any orc attacking me + Deor
Goodberry or CLW any badly injured party characters
If the Faerie Fire goes off successfully, Deor should be able get off a Sleep or two
The two armored knights assist the other two in getting armored. Deor and Ghân could maybe help, especially Deor helping Theogrim.
Gwaelur reloads his Cross Bow and gets more of his armor on.
Merry begins lighting torches and dropping them in a perimeter to equalize the lighting a little for the humans.
Brin, Gil, Mul & Caramir do stealthy things under the cover of lots of noisy fighters getting armor ready and another horn blast from Merry and an answering blast by Moose.
Deor has yet to study any spells or recover fully. I think he is down to a 1st and cantrips. Does that sound correct?
Ghân is very low too.
The 13 Goblins are all down. Moose is actually ranging out.
In 3e thieves can sneak attack with missiles and get damage bonuses just as with backstabbing.
For the sake of Gimli Elf-friend and Lockbearer, Gil-Gandel will exhibit selective deafness (these beauties aren’t just for decoration, yanno). “Mulligan, are you in the mood for some fun? Follow me if you are.”
Eyes a-glint dangerously in the starlight, Gil-Gandel once again looks to manoeuvre to the rear of the approaching Orcs. A tree to shin up would be nice, if there’s one that commands a view of the enemy rear. With or without such a vantage point, his choice of targets is as before: leaders, casters, archers, in that order of preference; otherwise anywhere that our forces are looking hard-pressed.
Added: I see Mulligan’s already got plans of his own. Good luck!
Deor will happily help either Theogrim or Thoroncir.
I agree he is down to one 1st level (plus cantrips).
Ghân thought Gimli was calling for immediate help. If there’s time for the party to put on armour etc, then he’ll use (precast) Goodberries to cure both Gwaelur (3hp) and Theogrim (2hp).
I think Ghân has cast two 1st level (Detect Magic and Animal Friendship) and five 2nd level (two Barkskin and three Goodberry), leaving him with
four 1st level and two 3rd level.
So when the fighters are ready, Ghân and Deor will come along behind them. Deor will have a Sleep ready and Ghân will use Faerie Fire, Entangle and Summon Insects as previously mentioned.